Miami Digs: Muse Preconstruction in Sunny Isles

Proving that a big footprint is not a requirement for a big presence, the next new tall-rise luxury condo tower in Sunny Isles, Florida, is preparing to take its place on the prime waterfront strip. Muse, a slender 47-story building will fit into less than an acre of land, occupying no more than 100 feet of oceanfront width at 17141 Collins Avenue. The unusual proportions of this tall, thin, sloping tower lend exclusivity to the residences, with a max of two units per floor, and a uniquely positioned panoramic ocean view for each one.1 At a projected 649 feet, it just clears the FAA-approved height limit, along with neighboring buildings, the Porsche Design Tower and the Mansions at Acqualina.2

Now, Aventura-based S-2 Development, who invited New York-based Property Markets Group (PMG) in to joint venture, must move things to a new phase in order to break ground later this year. The process began with buyers placing refundable $100,000 deposits earlier in the year. The next phase will be converting these agreements, which represent more than half of the available units, into purchase contracts that require a non-refundable deposit. This is the step that separates real buyers from the pack, as a 50% deposit of the multi-million dollar price tag is required.2

South Florida real estate-watchers will look for signs that the numbers of firm contracts are sufficient to start construction by year-end, with a likely completion date by 2017. Plus, they will need to build and maintain momentum to continue lining up new buyers for the remaining units. Muse’s creators will be counting on some unique features to attract and retain serious buyers for the homes, starting at 2,360 square feet, up to a select few penthouse options at over 5,800 square feet, across two full floors.2

Buyers looking for luxury condo living have a wealth of choices in Sunny Isles, with no fewer than 1,800 units in 14 towers completed, planned, or proposed for future development. Developers pull out all the stops to compete in this condo boom environment, building extraordinary amenities and extreme design features into each project. Most recently completed is the Regalia Tower. Designed by Bernardo Fort Brescia, founding principal of Arquitectonica, it will bring 39 single-floor units online, in what is described as the “last oceanfront parcel in Sunny Isles.”

While most of the new cluster of tall and super-tall condo towers springing up in South Florida sport names that convey strength, size, or a link to the local environment—like Rise, Jade Ocean, or the clearly branded Porsche Design Tower—the Muse has taken its name from a more artistic impulse. The dictionary defines “muse” as “the woman…who is the source of inspiration for a creative artist.”3

The graceful Muse tower will live up to its name with an artistic influence throughout. Besides the Carlos Ott-Sieger Suarez designed residences, homeowners can look forward to an unusual opportunity to own a piece of art. Albanian-born Italian artist, Helidon Xhixha will consult with each buyer and design an original work unique to that unit. A larger work will adorn the lobby and more will be placed around the grounds. His abstract sculptures, described as uniting steel and light, are found in far-flung locales including the Ferrari factory in Maranello, Italy, and the Melia Hotel in Dubai.4

For more information text or call Michael Yablonicky direct at 305-467-7204 or email at michael@zilbert.com.